7 Tips for parents to improve the mental health of their children

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As a parent, do you ever worry whether you are taking care of all of your child’s needs? Parents do everything to protect their children and ensure good health and well-being for them. Parents are the first teacher for children and hence they create an environment of safety and learning for the overall development of children. Being a parent, we mostly emphasize on the physical health of children and take mental health for granted that’s equally significant for a child’s growth and development. 

 

A survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that 1 in 5 children suffers from some type of mental disorder every year. A child’s physical as well as mental health are directly correlated to his/her behavior, personality, and learning abilities. We have collected a few techniques for your knowledge that could help you improve your child’s mental health. Let’s dive deep into the topic:

 

1- Create a positive environment at home:

 

As a parent, it is your responsibility to create a safe and positive atmosphere at home for your children. Spend time and do some physical activities with them. Build and promote strong and caring relationships with your child. Let’s view how you can do this:

  • Always use positive words

  • Teach kids to practice self-care

  • Encourage creativity 

  • Show affection and gratitude

 

2- Listen and talk:

 

Provide time for your children and have friendly conversations with them. Encourage children to open up their thoughts and feelings. Build trust so that your children can share their feelings openly and deal with any type of emotional distress they are going through. Help your child develop resilience in wake of adverse and stressful situations.

 

3- Develop self-esteem:

 

Your child’s mental health can be nurtured by developing their self-esteem. This can be achieved by providing them opportunities to act independently, genuinely praising their efforts, and asking questions about their interests and thoughts. Below are some ways you can follow to encourage self-esteem in your children:

  • Emphasis on strengths 

  • Promote helping and giving behavior

  • Let your children make some choices

  • Help them set their goals

  • Offer genuine praise

 

4- Teach ways to manage stress:

 

Stress is part and parcel of life. It is important for kids to learn techniques to deal with stress now in order to get success in life ahead. Train your child to handle stressful situations and tough times. You can help your children deal with stress by applying the following practice:

  • Teach relaxing techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, prayer, muscle relaxation exercises, so on.

  • Educate to express feelings.

  • Encourage rational thinking patterns.

  • Develop positive coping skills in your children.

 

5- Praise good deeds:

 

Praising a good deed of your child motivates them. It also encourages confidence in their abilities and positive self-worth. Genuine praise helps in improving kid’s performance and mental health. Positive feedback from parents reinforces good behavior and accomplishments.

 

6-Develop an attitude of positive thinking:

 

You must teach your kids to abstain or process negative thoughts in a healthy way. Endorse a positive attitude with your children and train them to transform their negative thoughts into positive ones. This will improve their self-confidence which in turn nurtures mental health and well-being.

 

7- Institute healthy habits:

 

Healthy habits are not only good for physical health but also crucial for the emotional health of your child. Healthy habits such as eating healthy food, performing physical activities daily, sleeping on time at night and waking up early in the morning, will keep your child’s body as well as mind in good shape.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

There are so many ways that can help you nurture your children’s mental health. Develop a culture of sharing at your home and be proactive about your children’s mental health. Keep a track of their behavior and activities and provide regular counseling and guidance. Develop skills such as emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and gratitude in your children in order to strengthen their mental health.